Bruce Springsteen, the legendary rock artist, is back on stage and sharing his experience with the release of his latest documentary, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The film, directed by longtime collaborator Thom Zimny, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last month and is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, giving fans unprecedented access to the band's life on the road. The documentary takes viewers through Springsteen's preparations for his 2023-2024 tour, which marks the E Street Band's first tour since 2017 due to pandemic-related delays.
The documentary opens with Springsteen making it clear just how much he missed performing. He promised himself and his fans during the pandemic, "if we ever got through this, I’d throw the biggest party I could." This sentiment set the stage for what he would deliver—a massive celebration of life, music, and togetherness through his live performances.
Zimny, who has worked closely with Springsteen for nearly 25 years, described his process for Road Diary as living with the film as if it were part of his life. "We live with the film as if it’s a person in our lives," he said, emphasizing how the documentary evolved during the rehearsals. He recalled the gloomy atmosphere of Red Bank, New Jersey, where the band first practiced—blanketed with gray winter skies. The streets reflected the beginning of hope as vaccines rolled out and COVID restrictions began to lift.
Setting the documentary's tone, the rehearsals began slowly at the Vogel, which is part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Springsteen was creating setlists intertwined with themes of mortality and urgency, echoing the struggles and reflections experienced by many during the pandemic. Zimny remarked, "Bruce was honing a setlist reflecting not only his past but also where he was and is ‘in the moment’.”
Adding depth to the film's narrative, Springsteen's wife and fellow band member, Patti Scialfa, shared her personal health struggles with multiple myeloma, which injected raw emotion and vulnerability throughout the film. Zimny had the privilege of capturing candid moments as Springsteen and Scialfa took the stage together, making the documentary resonate even more with viewers.
One of the most fascinating elements occurs during rehearsals where, for the first time, the E Street Band practiced without Springsteen present for parts of the preparation. This unique approach showcased Springsteen’s trust and reliance on bandmates, especially highlighted when Steven Van Zandt was named the tour’s music director. He humorously noted, "40 years late, but fine," reflecting on the unorthodox approach to their rehearsals.
Springsteen’s perspective on the rehearsals was both introspective and humorous. He was not merely forming the typical setlist but trying to shake off the “cobwebs” after six long years, allowing for authenticity to shine through. The finalized setlist was hefty—28 songs strong—and included significant tracks from his latest album, Letter to You, and older classics with meaningful connections to his present. Themes of resilience and the passage of time were consciously woven throughout songs like "No Surrender" and "Last Man Standing.
A ritual of gathering before performances also highlights the band's camaraderie. Springsteen and his bandmates would form circles backstage, sharing laughs and inspirations, mixing humor with solemnity to prepare for their dynamic three-hour sets. This intimate look at their interactions builds the connection the E Street Band has with their audience.
Beyond merely presenting rehearsals or concert footage, Road Diary seeks to capture the shared emotional experience between the band and their fans. Zimny expressed his desire to portray the catharsis experienced at live shows—a moment where individuals can feel connected, understood, and changed. “People change,” he stated, describing the ambiance at Springsteen’s concerts.
Throughout the documentary, Springsteen’s work ethic shines through. Even at 74, he insists on working out the morning after performances to maintain his energy and performance level, showcasing his dedication to the craft. “That’s how I like to see my guys, in the gym ready to go,” he said, insisting on high standards for himself and his fellow musicians.
The combination of archival footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses adds layers to the concert experience. Fans are greeted with nostalgic clips from Springsteen’s illustrious career, coupled with newer insights and perspectives, painting a full picture of the man behind the music. With every frame, Road Diary invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys, echoing Springsteen’s lyrical themes of struggle and triumph.
Critics and audiences alike have hailed the documentary, noting its ability to resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike. Its blend of live shows, candid moments, and heartfelt narratives encourages viewers to not only appreciate the music but also to reflect on the universal themes of love, loss, and perseverance.
Overall, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is more than just another concert film—it's a testimony of resilience, community, and the passion for live performance ingrained within one of rock's most enduring legacies. This is not merely Bruce Springsteen on stage; it’s Springsteen inviting fans to experience the full spectrum of emotions behind the music. Have you watched the documentary yet? It's available for streaming, and trust us, you'll want to see what all the buzz is about!
